Pesky pounds still lingering from your last pregnancy?

Mothers who gain weight after a pregnancy, or those who are unable to lose the weight gained during pregnancy, are at greater risks for complications in subsequent pregnancies. Even in women who are not considered overweight, a few pounds can make all the difference in the world!

A Swedish study involving 150,000 women, recognized that a weight gain, no matter how modest, after giving birth to a first child increases the risks of hypertension, diabetes or still-borns in the next pregnancies. When considering the escalating rate of obesity, this observation is very worrisome. In 2004, over one in two women in Canada was considered overweight.

The BMI (body mass index) is often used as an indicator to determine if the weight of a person is acceptable. To calculate it, take your weight in kilograms and divide it by the square of your height in metres. An ideal BMI is located between 18.5 and 25. A woman weighing 60 kg (132.28 lbs) and measuring 1.65 m (5ft, 4 in) for example, has a BMI of 22. If she gains 5 kg (11.023 lbs), her BMI will be close to 24, which is still within the “norm”. Consequently, the Swedish study shows that a mother who gains one or two BMI units between the first and second pregnancy, increases by 20 to 40%, her risk of suffering from gestational diabetes (GDM) or hypertension. The greater the weight gain, the greater the risk for complications. A gain of at least three BMI units also increases the risk of foetal death by more than 60%.

This study also shows that even a slight weight loss can make a big difference, particularly in women who are overweight. How can a mother who is busy taking care of her newborn lose the weight? It is recommended she breastfeed her child. Breastfeeding not only induces weight loss in the mother, it also offers a wealth of benefits to the child. As you know, regular physical exercise is also a key element in weight loss. For example, walking with your baby everyday or even actively playing in the back yard with older children, are great ways to exercise. So Moms, stay active!

A few minor changes can sometimes improve our diet and help us maintain a healthy weight or lose those few extra pounds. For example, cutting approximately 50 calories per day represents a loss of about 2.5 kg (5 lbs) by the end of the year. Here are some tips:

The drugs and pharmaceutical services featured on the familiprix.com website are offered by pharmacists who own the affiliated pharmacies at Familiprix. The information contained on the familiprix.com site is for informational purposes only and does not in any way replace the advice and advice of your pharmacist or any other health professional. Always consult a health professional before taking or discontinuing medication or making any other decision. Familiprix inc. and the proprietary pharmacists affiliated with Familiprix do not engage in any way by making this information available on this website.

My Health Profile

The best place to stay in touch with your pharmacist. Easily keep an eye on your health.